19" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part VIII.. Page 21

Another article in our 19-inch roundup series will be devoted to 12 monitor models from such well-known brands as ASUS, BenQ, HP, LG, NEC, Samsung and Viewsonic. Besides discussing their features we will also dwell on the details of brand name image-enhancing settings offered by the monitor makers these days.

NEC MultiSync LCD1970VX

As opposed to the previous model, the MultiSync LCD1970VX has an aspect ratio of 5:4, the classic aspect ratio for 19” monitors.

The specifications aren’t encouraging: this is yet another monitor with a slow TN matrix and the viewing angles are typically narrow.

The monitor looks like its mates from the LCD1970 series: it has a square case with rounded-off corners that is supported by a black massive stand. The monitor is not attractive. It is somewhat bulky but is going to look properly on a work desk.

Besides supporting the monitor, the stand offers a variety of adjustments. You can change the tilt of the screen and as well as its height (from 65 to 170mm). The rotating disc in the base of the stand allows turning the monitor around its vertical axis. The portrait mode is not available, but it is not really quite appropriate for TN matrixes with their narrow viewing angles.

The massive stand can be replaced with a VESA mount if necessary.

The monitor offers a standard pair of analog and digital inputs. The power adapter is integrated into the case.

The monitor is controlled by means of a joystick and four buttons under the front panel – this is a characteristic solution of NEC monitors. A four-position joystick might have been even more convenient than ordinary buttons if it didn’t respond wrongly from time to time and were more informative.

The joystick and buttons provide quick access to the brightness and contrast settings, to the auto-adjustment feature and to choosing a DV Mode (this technology changes the gamma compensation value, making the image brighter or darker; it affects color reproduction, so you should be careful when using it).

The menu is user-friendly. It looks nice and offers all the options you expect to find in it.